The shop is now closed. The listing here is for information only.
Please see the Home Page for more information.
NCG 080
|
Acer griseum AGM
|
|
|
Paper Bark Maple
A small to medium sized ornamental tree which lends interest to the garden at all times of year. Small, yellow flowers appear in spring, followed by fresh green foliage in spring and summer, then spectacular orange, red and pink autumn foliage in autumn. At all times of year the chestnut-red… |
NCG 233
|
Achillea millefolium
|
|
|
Common Yarrow, Milfoil
A plant of many names! It has variously been called, Devil's Nettle, Hundred-leaved Grass, Lace Plant, Milfoil, Nose Pepper, Nosebleed, Sanguinarya and Soldier's Woundwort (to name just a few), some clearly referring to its medicinal properties, others to its appearance. Whilst many cultivars are available, this wild flower is white… |
NCG 456
|
Achillea ptarmica 'The Pearl' | |
|
Sneezewort 'The Pearl'
'The Pearl' produces sprays of small, white, double flowers on wiry stems about 24 inches/60cm high, with narrow, toothed leaves. A spreading plant which is not too difficult to control in lighter soils. The blooms tend to last longer if the plant is sited in part shade, but full sunlight… |
NCG 399
|
Acis Syn. Leucojum autumnalis Syn. autumnale | |
|
Autumn Snowflake
Little white nodding bells on slender, red stems appear from late summer above bright-green, grass-like foliage. This is an attractive and unusual plant for the front of the border or in containers. Although said to prefer full sun, mine are in part shade and flourish there. Classified as half hardy,… |
NCG 722
|
Acorus gramineus 'Ogon' | |
|
Golden Japanese rush, Variegated slender sweet flag
Although strictly speaking a marginal pond plant, this small and attractive grass-like plant will grow successfully in almost any reasonable, moist soil - in fact it seems quite content in quite dry spots in my garden. It produces strongly variegated, green and yellow, fan-shaped tufts of stiff, aromatic foliage and… |
NCG 005
|
Alcea rosea, mixed
|
|
|
Hollyhock, single
I am offering here not only mixed-colour seeds but a selection of packets containing seed collected from individual plants that I thought particularly pretty, but they cannot be guaranteed to come true. (NOTE: Seeds from black hollyhock are listed separately.) Although strictly speaking a perennial, this very popular cottage… |
NCG 585
|
Alchemilla alpina | |
|
Alpine lady's mantle
My favourite alchemilla - the delicate, deeply cut, silver edged leaves of this small plant are altogether more refined than those of other varieties. Lovely at the front of the border and useful in containers. Sprays of tiny yellow-green flowers on wiry stems appear in spring and summer. |
NCG 313
|
Alchemilla erythropoda AGM
|
|
|
Dwarf lady's mantle
Much daintier than the familiar Alchemilla mollis, this miniature variety looks lovely at the front of the border or in containers. Sprays of tiny yellow-green flowers on short, wiry, reddish stems appear in spring and summer. |
NCG 401
|
Allium vineale
|
|
|
Crow garlic
Although crow garlic is often considered a weed (the bulbils produced at the tip of the stems fall to the ground and can cause it to spread rather too eagerly!), if you don't have space to grow proper garlic but would like to add a hint of fresh garlic to… |
NCG 215
|
Allium Syn. Nectaroscordum siculum
|
|
|
Mediterranean Bells, Sicilian Honey Lily, Ornamental Onion, Sicilian Garlic
A fascinating plant! Clusters of waxy, bell-shaped flowers in shades of cream, pink and green appear in early summer, dangling on tall, slender stems. As the seed pods develop the flowers turn upwards. In some European countries the plant is more likely to be found in the vegetable plot than… |
NCG 846
|
Aloe barbadensis
|
|
|
Aloe vera, Barbados aloe,
|
NCG 610
|
Alstroemeria Ligtu Hybrids | |
|
Peruvian lily
Flowers in a range of colours, from white through warm yellows, oranges and reds to shades of pink, on strong, straight stems with glossy foliage. Prefers soil that is not too limey. |
NCG 082
|
Anthemis tinctoria 'Sauce Hollandaise'
|
|
|
Mayweed, Golden Marguerite, Dyer's Chamomile
With its masses of creamy-yellow daisy-like flowers on wiry stems with finely divided aromatic foliage, this drought-tolerant plant is a bright and cheerful choice for dry areas, although it will be happy in most soils. Cut back hard in the autumn to encourage strong new shoots in the spring. The… |
NCG 008
|
Antirrhinum majus, mixed
|
|
|
Snapdragon, mixed
Although usually perennial, antirrhinums are generally treated as annuals. This is a mixture in many colours and heights, from medium-sized to dwarf (usually distinguishable early in their lives by small leaves, and tending to a trailing habit, making them a useful in hanging baskets). A children's favourite! NOTE: Separate colours… |
NCG 275
|
Aquilegia vulgaris Ex. Alba
|
|
|
Granny's Bonnet - White
There is a large clump of the single white variety of this familiar and much loved cottage garden plant established behind the pond, and it often breeds true. Although there could be some cross-pollination with other colours in the garden, I am confident that the seeds offered will produce a… |
NCG 298
|
Aquilegia vulgaris, various
|
|
|
Granny's bonnet, various
A mixture of single, double and ruffled plants or seeds in a variety of colours - dark-purple, blue, white and pink. I'm also offering packets containing seeds from specific plants, but there may be some cross-pollination. Note: Plants, when offered, may be bare-rooted, depending on season. |
NCG 011
|
Arum italicum subsp. italicum 'Marmoratum' AGM
|
|
|
Italian arum 'Marmoratum', Variegated Cuckoopint, Lords-and-Ladies
The boldly marbled, arrow-shaped leaves appear in autumn and last right through most of the year. Seedlings may look unpromising at first, but as the plants grow the leaves develop their beautiful markings. Plant under trees to light up dark areas. When plants are on offer they are usually self… |
NCG 247
|
Aruncus dioicus AGM
|
|
|
Goat's beard, Buck's beard, Bride's feathers
Resembling an astilbe, but larger and more vigorous, this stunning plant gives a wonderful display of creamy-white, feathery flower plumes in late spring to early summer. The flowers retain their freshness longer in more shady areas, but the plant will also perform well in full sun. Well deserving of the… |
NCG 539
|
Astrantia major 'Sunningdale Variegated'
|
|
|
Masterwort 'Sunningdale Variegated'
This lovely astrantia produces masses of the usual pincushion blooms, which are pink with green tinges. But it really comes into its own in early spring, when the young foliage has strong white and green variegation. The white changes to cream and then yellow as the season progresses, and eventually… |
NCG 012
|
Astrantia major subsp. involucrata 'Shaggy' AGM
|
|
|
Masterwort 'Shaggy' (a.k.a. 'Margery Fish')
This astrantia form, with its white pincushion blooms, which are tinted green, is happy in shade and is said to repel slugs, so try planting near hostas. Makes a very good cut flower which lasts well and also can usually be successfully dried for winter arrangements. Although harvested from plants… |
NCG 551
|
Calendula officinalis 'Sunset Buff'
|
|
|
Pot marigold 'Sunset Buff'
A variation on one of the most recognisable and popular cottage garden plants, 'Sunset Buff' produces double (and perhaps the occasional single) flowers in soft, peachy tones with red backs. Makes a nice addition to small flower arrangements, so cut often to encourage repeat flowering and to keep the plants… |
NCG 438
|
Cerastium tomentosum | |
|
Snow-in-Summer, White rock flower
This evergreen, mat-forming perennial has small, grey-green leaves and produces a veritable carpet of small white blooms in late spring through to early summer. A wonderful plant to grow at the front of borders or tumbling over walls. It requires very free-draining soil as it does not like its roots… |
NCG 320
|
Chamaemelum syn. Anthemis nobile syn. nobilis 'Flore Pleno'
|
|
|
Double flowered Chamomile
Delightful in all respects, this highly scented double-flowered form of perennial chamomile has feathery leaves and inch-wide, creamy-white blooms. Best planted in containers or at the edge of borders, where, when brushed against, both leaves and flowers release their strong, sweet, apple-like fragrance. NOTE: Depending on season, plants are sometimes… |
NCG 396
|
Cobaea scandens f. Alba AGM
|
|
|
White Cup and Saucer Vine
A white-flowered version of the more familiar purple/blue, this climber, which must usually be treated as an annual in the UK when situated outside, but can be successfully grown as a perennial indoors if warmth and some humidity are provided, is the perfect choice for a sunny, sheltered wall, trellis… |
NCG 811
|
Cosmos bipinnatus 'Xanthos' | |
|
Cosmos 'Xanthos'
A beautiful dwarf cosmos studded with pale yellow blooms, fading to white in the centre. A lovely plant for the front of the border, where it will bloom all summer and into autumn. |
NCG 019
|
Cosmos bipinnatus Ex. Semi-Double White
|
|
|
Cosmos, semi-double white
Masses of pure white, semi-double blooms with yellow centres (with perhaps the odd single) throughout the summer, on tall stems with finely divided foliage. Drought tolerant. Some say it is unnecessary to thin direct sown plants. Soil that is too rich may result in tall, lanky plants. I cannot guarantee… |
NCG 342
|
Cotinus coggygria | |
|
Smoke Bush
The plant from which these seeds were sourced has grey-green leaves with delicate, feathery flower spikes which turn from cream to a deep pink as the year progresses. |
NCG 490
|
Cucumis melo var. cantalupensis 'Hearts of Gold'
|
|
|
Cantaloupe or Musk Melon 'Hearts of Gold'
An heirloom variety, dating back to 1895, which has stood the test of time and is very suitable for growing in the UK. The fruits are ribbed, dark-green with heavy white netting and the deep-orange flesh is very sweet and fragrant. |
NCG 664
|
Digitalis purpurea 'Pam's Choice'
|
|
|
Foxglove 'Pam's Choice'
A two-toned foxglove, white with strongly contrasting, dark-maroon speckling in the throat. |
NCG 523
|
Digitalis purpurea subsp. heywoodii 'Silver Cub'
|
|
|
Foxglove 'Silver Cub'
The beautiful white flower spikes of this variety are enhanced by the foliage, which is covered in fine white hairs, giving a silvery appearance and silky to the touch. Can be grown as an annual, flowering in its first year if sown in January or February. |
NCG 844
|
Elymus hystrix | |
|
European or Spreading Bottlebrush grass
Syn, Hystrix patula |
NCG 471
|
Eryngium agavifolium
|
|
|
Agave-leaved sea holly
This most unusual and exotic looking plant looks as though it should need a heated conservatory to survive, but it is in fact quite hardy. A straight stem topped with clusters of spiky, greenish-white flower heads grows from a pineapple-like rosette of fleshy, toothed leaves. The picture really does not… |
|
NCG 739
|
Eryngium bourgatii | |
|
Mediterranean sea holly
Description coming soon. |
NCG 475
|
Eschscholzia californica Ex. 'White Linen'
|
|
|
Californian Poppy 'White Linen'
This drought-tolerant plant, with its finely divided grey-green foliage and shiny creamy petals, looks wonderful near the edge of the border. Cut quite hard back after the first flush of flowers and it will quickly regenerate and flower well into autumn without becoming too straggly. They will happily grow in… |
NCG 772
|
Filipendula ulmaria 'Aurea' | |
|
Golden meadowsweet, Golden mead wort
Description coming soon. |
NCG 684
|
Helianthus annuus Ex. 'Valentine' | |
|
Branching sunflower Ex. 'Valentine'
This branching sunflower grows about 2m/6ft tall, with masses of blooms about 4-5 inches across. There may be some variation in colour from these open-sourced seeds, but they were collected from plants with soft, lemon-yellow blooms with almost black centres, as illustrated. |
NCG 813
|
Helianthus debilis 'Vanilla Ice' | |
|
Sunflower 'Vanilla Ice'
A freely branching sunflower growing to about 2m/6ft tall, with masses of blooms about 3 inches across. There may be some variation in colour from these open-sourced seeds, but they were collected from plants with soft, lemon-yellow, slightly spidery-petalled blooms with almost black centres, as illustrated. |
NCG 309
|
Helleborus foetidus
|
|
|
Stinking Hellebore
The flowers of this interesting, shade-loving plant are very soft, pale green, sometimes with a red margin and are leathery in texture. It is a haven for hibernating ladybirds, which can be found nestling in and around the flowers all winter. |
NCG 054
|
Hibiscus trionum
|
|
|
Flower-of-an-Hour, Venice Mallow, Bladder hibiscus, Bladder ketmia
This delightful plant, which is usually treated as an annual in the UK, produces creamy flowers with dark burgundy centres on stems clothed with dark green, lobed leaves. Each flower only lasts a day but in the right conditions it will bloom profusely, followed by very attractive seed pods, throughout… |
NCG 472
|
Hosta syn. funkia x hybrida | |
|
Hosta, mixed
The seeds offered were mostly from the variety illustrated, but from a couple of others too. In any case, they are very unlikely to come true, but it could be fun to see that they produce and you may even discover some unique variations of this attractive shade-loving plant! |
NCG 767
|
Houttuynia cordata 'Chameleon' | |
|
Heart-leaved houttuynia 'Chameleon'
|
NCG 646
|
Humulus lupulus | |
|
Common hop
|
NCG 251
|
Hydrangea arborescens 'Annabelle' | |
|
Hydrangea 'Annabelle', Smooth hydrangea, Wild hydrangea, Sevenbark
I've never known anyone unfamiliar with this delightful plant not to request it when they see it in bloom in the garden! The domed flower heads are composed of masses of small blooms, lime green at first, turning creamy-white (and almost spherical) when in full bloom and a lovely parchment… |
NCG 412
|
Hylotelephium Syn. Sedum telephium subsp. ruprechtii 'Hab Grey'
|
|
|
Ruprecht's orpine, Ice Plant 'Hab Grey'
This unusual and most attractive sedum ariety forms clumps of grey-green, fleshy leaves and the flowers are a mixture of cream and pink. It is much loved by bees and other beneficial insects. NOTE: Depending on season, plants, when available, may be trimmed back and/or barerooted for shipping. |
NCG 026
|
Hyoscyamus niger
|
|
|
Black Henbane, Stinking Nightshade
Black henbane produces soft, downy leaves and strange, but beautiful, pale creamy-yellow flowers intricately veined in purple. The seed pods are also rather attractive; they have a little round lid which falls off when the pods are ripe, releasing the seeds. All parts of the plant are toxic. The whole plant… |
NCG 155
|
Inula Hookeri
|
|
|
Hooker's inula, Hooker's fleabane
This beautiful plant deserves to be better known. The soft, downy stems bear masses of 2 inch diameter bright-yellow daisy-like flowers from late summer to autumn, which go on to develop equally attractive, cream-coloured, fluffy seed heads. The flowers are much loved by butterflies and bees, and the seeds by… |
NCG 027
|
Ipomoea syn. Mina lobata Syn. versicolor 'Exotic Love' | |
|
Mina Lobata, Spanish Flag
Recently re-classified as a member of the Ipomoea genus (Ipomoea versicolor) and sometimes referred to as Quamoclit lobata, but still more widely recognised as Mina lobata... whatever you prefer to call it, this stunning half-hardy annual climbing plant is a must! Attractive foliage is followed by spikes of flowers that… |
NCG 029
|
Iris foetidissima | |
|
Stinking Iris
An unusual woodland iris with dingy yellow/brown flowers with a purplish tinge, arising from stiff, sword shaped foliage. The flowers are followed by large green seedpods that open to reveal neat rows of bright red seeds. Don't be put off by the name - any smell is only apparent when… |
NCG 457
|
Kniphofia caulescens | |
|
Caulescent red-hot poker
Description coming soon. |
NCG 439
|
Lamium Syn. Lamiastrum galeobdolon subsp. Argentatum 'Herman's Pride' | |
|
Variegated Yellow Archangel 'Herman's Pride'
A small, variegated nettle with spikes of yellow flowers. A good choice for woodland planting or at the front of shady borders. |
NCG 031
|
Lathyrus latifolius 'Albus'
|
|
|
White everlasting sweet pea
Although unscented, the everlasting sweet pea is most attractive grown against a sunny wall, trellis or fence - or permitted to grow through a large shrub or small tree - and provides masses of flower stems. Very suitable for cutting. These seeds are gathered from Lathyrus latifolius 'Alba' and are… |
NCG 030
|
Lathyrus odoratus
|
|
|
Mixed Sweet Pea
This mixture of sweet peas in pink, red, blue, mauve and maybe occasionally pale yellow (lathyrus chloranthus). Something of a Jamboree bag, but will no doubt produce some attractive plants and all will complement each other! |
NCG 558
|
Ledebouria socialis | |
|
Silver squill, Purple squill, South African Scilla, Leopard Lily
|
NCG 797
|
Lupinus x russellii 'Chandelier'
|
|
|
Lupin, Russell strain 'Chandelier'
A superior hybrid variety of the popular cottage garden plant, this lupin, which is also known as 'Kronleuchter', produces tall spikes of golden-yellow flowers in late spring/early summer. |
NCG 299
|
Maianthemum dilatatum
|
|
|
False Lily-of-the-Valley
False Lily-of-the-Valley has beautiful, heart-shaped, mid-green leaves, which are shiny and textured with deep veins. Slender spikes bearing waxy, creamy-white blooms appear in Spring and early Summer, followed by green berries, which later turn translucent red. Prefers shade and nitrogen-rich soil, making this a good plant for underplanting in woodland… |
NCG 726
|
Melothria scabra
|
|
|
Cucamelon
Looking for all the world like miniature watermelons, these bite-sized cucumbers are full of flavour, with a hint of lime! Usually grown as an annual, but see growing instructions below. |
NCG 090
|
Mimulus x hybridus, mixed | |
|
Mimulus, Monkey Flower, mixed
A very useful plant for front of borders, baskets and other containers. The flowers are mostly yellow and red, but occasonally orange or cream. Although strictly speaking a perennial, best treated as an annual. For best results, ensure that the plants receive adequate water supplies, and cut back after flowering… |
NCG 099
|
Nicotiana langsdorffii AGM
|
|
|
Langsdorff's tobacco
This unusual tobacco plant first appeared in the garden in the summer of 2011. Height is variable, but can reach 1metre or more, with many branching stems bearing masses of narrow, tubular flowers which are greenish-yellow, with small, usually red-tinged, lips. |
NCG 380
|
Nigella sativa
|
|
|
Fennel Flower, Nutmeg Flower, Roman Coriander, False Black Cumin, Black Seed
Similar in many respects to the more familiar Nigella damascena (Love in a Mist), but the flowers are smaller and usually white, occasionally pale blue, on delicate stems clothed in very finely divided foliage. In Asian countries the seeds are traditionally used in rice dishes and confectionery. They are also… |
NCG 271
|
Oenothera odorata 'Apricot Delight' | |
|
Evening Primrose 'Apricot Delight'
The blooms of this (sometimes short-lived) perennial variety of evening primrose are scented in the evenings, the fragrance being reminiscent of a combination of lemons and lilies. It has a rather more lax, open habit than the more common Oenothera biennis. The flower buds are a soft creamy-yellow, darkening to… |
NCG 260
|
Paeonia daurica subsp. mlokosewitschii AGM
|
|
|
Peony 'Molly the Witch'
This gorgeous paeony, with its blue-green foliage and large, soft creamy-yellow flowers and rich golden stamens, followed by interesting seed pods that are crimson red inside with blue-black seeds, is a much recommended herbaceous perennial. Note: Seeds harvested August 2018. They will be supplied in damp compost or vermiculite to… |
NCG 493
|
Phaseolus vulgaris 'Lingua di Fuoco Nano' (dwarf)
|
|
|
Borlotto (Borlotti) Bean 'Lingua di Fuoco Nano'
Both strikingly attractive and delicious, Borlotto beans, with their soft-red and creamy-white markings, sweet flavour and creamy texture, can be used both in casseroles or as an addition to salads. (There is no need to soak fresh beans before cooking, but if you intend to dry and store your crop,… |
NCG 201
|
Phytolacca acinosa Syn. esculenta
|
|
|
Indian Pokeweed, Inkberry, Pidgeonberry
Although invariably referred to as American pokeweed (P. decandra Syn. americana), the variety seen in UK gardens is almost certainly Indian pokeweed (P. asinosa Syn. esculenta). Both look very similar, but P. acinosa has vertical, upright inflorescences, whilst P. americana has lax, dangling, flower stems, with single, spherical fruits on… |
NCG 424
|
Potentilla recta sulphurea 'Pallida' AGM
|
|
|
Rough-fruited cinquefoil, Yellow cinquefoil
This pale-yellow variety of cinquefoil is a wildflower that makes a lovely addition to the cottage garden but is relatively unknown and rarely to be found for sale. It flowers for many months, from Spring and right through to the first frosts. Will gently self-seed. The colour can vary a… |
NCG 375
|
Primula vulgaris | |
|
Common primrose
Spring would not be Spring without the primrose! The soft yellow blooms of this familiar native wildflower arise on short stems from basal rosettes of crinkly, light-green leaves. Seeds itself around happily but is not difficult to control. |
NCG 832
|
Pseudofumaria alba subsp. acaulis Syn. Corydalis ochroleuca | |
|
Pale corydalis
Creamy flowers appear in spring and continue throughout the summer, above beautiful light-green divided foliage. Generally a short-lived perennial, but gently self-seeds. |
NCG 373
|
Rodgersia pinnata 'Superba' | |
|
Featherleaf rodgersia
|
NCG 524
|
Scabiosa syn. Lomelosia caucasica, mixed
|
|
|
Scabious, mixed
This traditional cottage garden plant is a must! Easy to grow, and making a wonderful cut flower, the blooms are coloured from white and cream to various shades of blue, on tall stems. As a bonus, both seed heads and foliage are attractive. |
NCG 202
|
Sisyrinchium striatum | |
|
Pale yellow-eyed-grass, Satin flower
Small pale yellow flowers with deeper yellow eyes on spikes above soft, greyish-green, sword-shaped leaves. Although strictly speaking a perennial, this plant seeds itself happily and the younger plants develop quickly and are often more attractive. |
NCG 614
|
Sparaxis tricolor, mixed | |
|
Harlequin flower, mixed
Originating from South Africa, the harlequin flower is a very showy choice for containers in late Spring. All the flowers, which are not long-lived but appear in succession to provide a long flowering period, have a dark halo around a yellow centre, but the colour of the outside of the… |
NCG 360
|
Syringa reticulata subsp. pekinensis
|
|
|
Peking lilac, Chinese tree lilac
This attractive, small tree or large shrub, originating from northern China, has a rounded habit and bears fragrant, creamy-white flowers in mid- to late-Spring which are attractive to pollinating insects. NOTE: Externally sourced seeds. |
NCG 347
|
Tellima grandiflora | |
|
Fringe cups
A lovely woodland plant with a rosette of light-green round, lobed foliage and slender stems bearing insignificant, but nonetheless attractive, downward-pointing bell-shaped flowers down their length, sometimes creamy yellow, sometimes tinged with pink. |
NCG 045
|
Tigridia pavonia
|
|
|
Tiger Flower
This exotic bulb in shades of red, yellow, white and cream is happiest in full sun in moist, well drained soil (add grit to the planting hole if soil is heavy). Tigridia can endure the cold, but for complete safety, in all but the mildest areas it is advisable to… |
NCG 589
|
Tulipa turkestanica | |
|
Turkestan tulip
|
NCG 526
|
Vinca major 'Variegata' | |
|
Greater periwinkle 'Variegata'
A trailing vine, usually used as ground cover, with bold creamy-yellow and green variegation. Pretty purple flowers and inch or so across appear sporadically from spring right into autumn. The plant spreads by rooting along the stems where they lie on the ground and can become quite dense, but can… |
NCG 503
|
Zantedeschia aethiopica
|
|
|
Calla lily
Each beautiful, exotic white spathe surrounds a clear yellow spathix. Surprisingly easy to grow and fully hardy in most regions. |
NCG 385
|
Zinnia elegans Mixed
|
|
|
Common zinnia, Elegant zinnia, Youth and old age
A fast-growing half-hardy annual that will provide a wealth of colour throughout the summer months and into autumn. Large blooms in shades including pink, cerise, scarlet and orange. Much loved by pollinating insects and great for flower arranegments. |
There are 
